Training for aggressive dog

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I am mortified - my terrier went for a friend's dog. No injury, but friend and her dog are very upset.

Obviously, in case there is an injury that has been missed, I have offered to pay vet bills.

I've had my dog for a few years and she is not good with other dogs. She growls and barks at them.

I keep her on a lead when out and keep away from other dogs.

She was a rescue dog and clearly hasn't been socialised with other dogs. I don't think she was abused, though I know very little about her past.

Has anyone got any ideas as to whether an animal behaviourist could help?

Thanks in advance.

Yes it's a clinical behaviourist you want rather than a dog trainer. You can find one here www.apbc.org.uk/help/regions. They'll usually contact your vet to ensure there are no medical issues. If they're not registered with apbc then they're probably not a qualified clinical behaviourist. Unfortunately anyone can use the term 'behaviourist'. Your vet may know one they recommend. If you're in Scotland I know a couple of excellent behaviourists I could recommend. They may seem expensive but the cost includes detailed reports and advice along with follow up help by telephone/email. They'll usually come to you too and a visit can last a few hours. Good luck.

Definitely a behaviourist. There won't be any quick fix but you need someone to look at how your dog behaves and teach you strategies which will help.

Now you are aware of her aggression and the fact she has physically attacked another dog you really need to have her muzzled while out in public.

Maybe a vet check first to make sure there's nothing medically wrong with her then work with a qualified behaviourist- IMDT are best, using positive methods only.

Failing - yes, a muzzle is essential. For one thing, if she's muzzled, it should discourage people from encouraging their dogs to approach her.

She sounds reactive as much as anything; the Reactive Dogs UK Facebook group is good for advice. Have a read of the CARE protocol which is for reactive dogs.

A Yellow Dog Project bandana that says I Need Space would also help with other dog owners. A muzzle would be the responsible thing here; make sure you go through a muzzle training process rather than just applying it to her face; check out the Muzzle Up project